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<\/p>\nLISMORE Cup has attracted a strong field as a qualifier event for the $2 million Big Dance, but Ballina trainer Stephen Lee says hometown advantage could be the deciding factor.<\/p>\n
At the time of going to press, Lee had two horses nominated for the $75,000 Rodney Lees Cabinetmaking Lismore Cup – Byron Eyes and Bellaciaociao.<\/p>\n
Lee said Byron Eyes is coming into the Cup, having raced well at Ipswich last week.<\/p>\n
He said the six-year-old mare likes the Lismore track and has won over the Cup distance, which has been shortened this year.<\/p>\n
Byron Eyes will probably sit back off the pace, he said, before bringing it home.<\/p>\n
Bellaciaociao is a French import that Lee says is starting to find form after training on South Ballina Beach.<\/p>\n
The seven-year-old mare was a forward running horse, he said, that likes a soft track so a bit of rain on race day would suit her.<\/p>\n
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Despite running against horses with good provincial form, he said you can’t rule out local horses for the win.<\/p>\n
“Bellaciaociao is an outside chance. She’s a nice mare,” Lee said.<\/p>\n
“You have got to compete if you’re a local. You’ve got to give your horses a chance.”<\/p>\n
The barrier draw would be crucial at the Lismore track, he said.<\/p>\n
“Wide makes it tough.”<\/p>\n
Trainer of the 2023 Cup winner Brett Dodson is back this year with a New Zealand import, seven-year-old gelding Swift Charm. Another New Zealand horse, Stuck With You, is one to watch. Trained by Matthew Dunn, the nine-year-old bay gelding is an 11-time winner.<\/p>\n
Gates open at noon, and racing starts at 12.34pm.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
LISMORE Cup has attracted a strong field as a qualifier event for the $2 million Big Dance, but Ballina trainer Stephen Lee says hometown advantage could be the deciding factor. At the time of going to press, Lee had two horses nominated for the $75,000 Rodney Lees Cabinetmaking Lismore Cup – Byron Eyes and Bellaciaociao. […]<\/p>\n